Text Messages

Text messages are the simplest form of WhatsApp messages. They allow you to send plain text content to your recipients.

Basic Usage

To send a text message, use the messages.text() method:

import WhatsApp from 'meta-cloud-api';

// Initialize client
const whatsapp = new WhatsApp({
  phoneNumberId: YOUR_PHONE_NUMBER_ID,
  accessToken: 'YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN'
});

// Send text message
const response = await whatsapp.messages.text({
  body: "Hello from Meta Cloud API!",
  to: "15551234567" // Phone number with country code
});

console.log(`Message sent with ID: ${response.messages[0].id}`);

Parameters

The text() method accepts a parameter object with the following properties:

Parameter	Type	Description
body	string or TextObject	The text message content or object
to	string	The recipient's phone number with country code
previewUrl	boolean (optional)	Whether to show URL previews in the message
replyMessageId	string (optional)	ID of a message to reply to

TextObject Properties

When using an object for the body parameter:

Property	Type	Description	Required
body	string	The text content of the message	Yes
preview_url	boolean	Whether to show URL previews in the message	No

Examples

Simple Text Message

const response = await whatsapp.messages.text({
  body: "Hello! How can I help you today?",
  to: "15551234567"
});

Text Message with URL Preview

When you include a URL in your message, you can enable URL previews:

const response = await whatsapp.messages.text({
  body: {
    body: "Check out our website: https://example.com",
    preview_url: true
  },
  to: "15551234567"
});

// Alternative syntax using previewUrl parameter
const response = await whatsapp.messages.text({
  body: "Check out our website: https://example.com",
  to: "15551234567",
  previewUrl: true
});

Formatting Text Messages

You can use basic formatting in your text messages:

const response = await whatsapp.messages.text({
  body: "This text can be *bold*, _italic_, ~strikethrough~, or ```monospace```.",
  to: "15551234567"
});

Long Text Messages

WhatsApp supports messages up to 4096 characters:

const response = await whatsapp.messages.text({
  body: "This is a longer message that can contain detailed information. WhatsApp text messages can be up to 4096 characters long, giving you plenty of space to provide detailed information to your customers...",
  to: "15551234567"
});

Replying to a Message

const originalMessageId = "wamid.abcd1234...";

const response = await whatsapp.messages.text({
  body: "This is a reply to your question",
  to: "15551234567",
  replyMessageId: originalMessageId
});

Error Handling

try {
  const response = await whatsapp.messages.text({
    body: "Hello from Meta Cloud API!",
    to: "15551234567"
  });
  console.log("Message sent successfully:", response);
} catch (error) {
  console.error("Error sending text message:", error);
  
  // Handle specific error cases
  if (error.response && error.response.data) {
    console.log("Error details:", error.response.data);
  }
}

Best Practices

1. Keep messages concise: While WhatsApp supports long messages, shorter messages typically have better engagement.

2. Use formatting sparingly: Use formatting to highlight important information, but don't overuse it.

3. Consider time zones: Be mindful of when you're sending messages to avoid disturbing recipients during off-hours.

4. Personalize messages: When possible, personalize messages with the recipient's name or relevant information.

5. Include clear calls to action: If you want the recipient to take action, make it clear what they should do next.